Just after 1 o’clock, the university put the following message on its website and social media channels: “We have received a threat against our campus and are evacuating the DBU campus IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. For those who cannot evacuate the main campus, please move to the Burg Center immediately. All classes are cancelled today, Tuesday, October 15. Further instructions to follow.”
No other details yet. Here’s a live video feed from Channel 5’s chopper.
UPDATE. From DBU at 3:33 p.m.: “Earlier today, DBU Police received a bomb and coordinated armed threat to campus. In consultation with DPD and the FBI, the campus was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. DBU is working with DPD to sweep the campus and clear for safe return of students. No injuries. More info to come.”
UPDATE. Shortly before 6 p.m., the “all clear” was given. Here’s the press release from DBU:
Earlier today, Dallas Baptist University Police received a phone call regarding a coordinated bomb and armed threat on the DBU campus. DBU’s Chief of Police, John Shaw, was immediately notified of the threat and initiated DBU’s Emergency Response Team. After consulting with the Dallas Police Department, the FBI, and DBU Police, DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright made the decision out of an abundance of caution to evacuate and lock down the campus.
The entire campus was safely evacuated and students, faculty, and staff who were unable to evacuate campus were locked down in a secure location on campus. Classes and all University activities were cancelled for Tuesday, October 15th.
In partnership with the Dallas Police Department, DBU’s Emergency Response Team swept the campus building by building and room by room to ensure the safe return for students. There were no reported injuries as a result of the evacuation.
Following an extensive search, no bomb was discovered on campus. In consultation with the DBU Police and Dallas Police Department, an all clear was issued for individuals to return to campus. Normal activities will resume tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 16.
“I am grateful for our DBU Police and Security Departments, Chief John Shaw, the Dallas Police Department, and the FBI for their leadership and cooperation throughout this situation,” Dr. Wright shared. “Our chief concern is the safety and security of our students; therefore, we took every precaution to ensure their safety and well-being. We are grateful for your prayers as this was an emotionally taxing day on the DBU Family.”
